Our Team

Lindsay CraigPresident

Lindsay Young Craig is the president of National Review Institute, the non-profit William F. Buckley Jr. founded in 1991 to complement the efforts of the magazine and promote the ideals of a free society he championed. Prior to joining NRI in August of 2013, Lindsay spent 16 years at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, one of the country’s leading domestic-policy think tanks. As vice president of communications and marketing, she oversaw the development of the public-relations department, social-media and web development, and strategic marketing.

In addition to her communications department duties, Lindsay spearheaded numerous other Manhattan Institute projects – leading special initiatives, organizing major conferences, and overseeing MI’s internship program. In 2007, she launched MI’s Young Leaders Circle, a monthly forum for young professionals in the New York metropolitan area who are concerned about free-market ideas and public policy. Lindsay has worked with policy organizations and policy makers around the country creating partnerships, organizing events, serving on advisory boards, and speaking at conferences.

A Connecticut native, Lindsay has lived in New York City for 25 years, since moving there to study photography and graphic design at School of Visual Arts with a focus on political art. She graduated from New York University with a B.A. in Politics. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and young daughter.

Clare AthCampus Outreach and Programs Officer

Clare Ath is the Campus Outreach Coordinator at National Review Institute in conjunction with being in the Koch Associate Program. She holds a B.A. in political science from Saint Mary’s College with a supplementary major in peace studies from the University of Notre Dame. Previously, Clare was a Grewcock Intern Scholar at Young America’s Foundation, as well as an intern on Capitol Hill in Senator Ted Cruz’s Office. She is an Illinois native but currently lives in Alexandria, Virginia with her husband Viraktep.

Chris CianciminoDirector of Regional Development

Chris Ciancimino is Director of Regional Development for National Review Institute, responsible for managing relationships with NRI friends and donors in the Midwest. Prior to joining NRI, Chris spent 13 years directing annual campaigns and major gift efforts for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a 27,000 student public research University. Chris has served on a wide-range of boards in his community, including organizations focusing on veteran’s affairs, education, and animal welfare. A Wisconsin native, Chris graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (B.A. in criminal justice) where he first discovered the writings of William F. Buckley Jr. He also has a Master of Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He currently lives outside of Milwaukee with his wife, two daughters, and four year-old beagle.

Francisco GonzalezDirector of Philanthropy

Francisco Gonzalez is the Director of Philanthropy at National Review Institute, responsible for managing relationships with NRI friends and supporters in Florida, Texas, and the Southeast. Born and raised in South Florida, Francisco earned his B.A. in History from Florida Atlantic University, and an M.A. in History from the University of Maryland.

Prior to joining NRI, Francisco was the Vice President of Advancement for The James Madison Institute, Florida’s premier free-market think tank, where he worked from 2008-2017. He served in campus leadership and development roles for the Intercollegiate Studies Institute from 2004-2007.

Francisco is the host of the Agents of Innovation podcast. He has served on the boards of Project Veritas (2010-2014) and Rock By The Sea (2010-2016), and currently serves on the board for AMIkids Orlando. He is a member of the Philadelphia Society and a member of Class VII of Connect Florida, a program for emerging leaders in the Sunshine State. An adventurous traveler, Francisco has visited 47 U.S. states and 17 countries. However, he currently resides in the happiest place on earth, Orlando, Florida.

Thomas KilkennyVice President, Finance and Operations

Tom was most recently the Senior Vice President and Controller of McGraw-Hill Education, Inc. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President and Controller of Core Media Group, an entertainment company, and he was Chief Financial Officer of Perseus Book Group. He previously held a number of positions at S&P Global (formerly McGraw-Hill) after beginning his career at Ernst & Young. He is a magna cum laude graduate of Seton Hall University, holds an MBA from New York University and is a Certified Public Accountant. He serves on the Board of Directors for Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter, a NYC homeless organization.

Karlene MaharajDevelopment Operations Coordinator

Karlene Maharaj is the Development Operations Coordinator for NRI, responsible for managing the direct mail program, providing financial reporting and campaign analysis, and assisting the development staff in outreach, logistics, marketing, follow-up, and event support. Karlene has worked in the Development arena for over 6 years. Her passion for fundraising began when she worked for an organization that served veterans and their families, a mission very close to her own story. Throughout her career, she has worked vigorously to connect donors to the stories of “why one gives” and to the messaging of an organization’s mission.

As both a wife and mother, Karlene pursued her academic goals online attending the School of Professional Studies, CUNY in New York for her BA in Business Administration. Her personal and professional affiliations include sitting on the board of her children’s PTA since 2008, as the former PTA president, now serving as the Parent Teacher Liaison. She is also a participating member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP).

Miranda Bond MelvinDirector, External Affairs

Miranda Bond Melvin is Director of External Affairs for the National Review Institute. She has spent the majority of her career working in the grassroots departments of the National Rifle Association and the National Federation of Independent Business. She was born and raised in Ohio and like many young conservatives she moved to Washington, D.C. to work at the Leadership Institute. At LI she trained college students to start independent publications on their campuses. Prior to that she worked on several advocacy and political campaigns in Ohio, Texas, and Colorado.

Before beginning her work in politics, she was a Reporter at the Toledo Free Press in Ohio and was Managing Editor of her college newspaper at Bowling Green State University, where she studied Print Journalism and Political Science. Currently she resides in Alexandria, Virginia with her husband Robert.

Nate MillsCampus Outreach and Programs Officer

Nate Mills is the Campus Outreach and Programs Officer at National Review Institute, where he is responsible for managing the NRI On Campus program and developing coalitions with student groups and organizations operating on college campuses. He holds a B.A. in political science from Grove City College in western Pennsylvania. Previously, Nate was a Koch research fellow at the Center for Vision and Values, as well as an intern and society leader at the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. He is a native of Toronto and currently lives and works in Washington, DC.

Aaron RobinowManager, Finance and Operations

Aaron Robinow is the Finance and Operations Manager at National Review Institute, responsible for overseeing NRI’s accounting, financial management, and internal operations.

Aaron graduated from the Sy Syms School of Business Honors and Entrepreneurial program earning a B.S. in Accountancy. Raised in Kansas City, Aaron first moved to New York in 2011 and now lives with his wife in Manhattan. Outside of work you may find him running through Central Park, in a spinning class, or watching a soccer game.

Alexandra Zimmern RosenbergMember and Events Manager

Alexandra Zimmern Rosenberg is the Member and Events Manager at National Review Institute, responsible for overseeing the 1955 Society and planning NRI’s member events throughout the year, including NRI’s annual William F. Buckley Jr. Prize Dinner and biennial Ideas Summit. Alexandra graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in December 2014 with a B.A. in political science and international studies. She is a Wisconsin native now residing with her husband in Manhattan.

Kristen WelchExecutive Assistant

Kristen Welch is the Executive Assistant, responsible for maintaining Lindsay Craig’s schedule and for completing administrative tasks around the office. Kristen graduated from Grove City College in Western Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Political Science and Economics.

Lydie WhiteBoard of Trustees Liasion

Lydie White is the Director of Finance and Operations at National Review Institute and oversees internal operations, accounting, and event planning. She also provides administrative assistance directly to NRI’s president. Prior to joining NRI, Lydie worked in operations and finance for the Competitive Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C. Originally from Georgia, Lydie earned her B.A. in history from Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina, and her J.D. from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. She and her husband, John Anderson, reside in Georgia.

Jason WiseRegional Development Officer

Jason Wise is the Regional Development Officer for the Western United States, managing and facilitating donor outreach and development. Having read National Review since the early days of the website, his association with the magazine started in 2002 when he sailed the Mediterranean on what was to become the first of many NR cruises — now up to 16. He served as an NRI Trustee from 2005 – 2015. Prior to joining NRI, Jason worked as an equity trader in the hedge fund industry for 19 years in San Francisco, New York City and Connecticut. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from the University of Washington. He now lives in his hometown of Seattle.

Lynn GibsonManager, NRI Regional Fellowship Program

Lynn Gibson serves as the Manager of the NRI Regional Fellowship Program – an eight-week program designed to provide select mid-career professionals with an intellectual survey of conservatism’s greatest writers and thinkers. In this role she oversees the programs that currently run in five cities – Washington, D.C., New York City, San Francisco, Dallas, and Philadelphia. Her professional career has spanned the academic, governmental, nonprofit, and private sectors. She currently works for a small family foundation. Her previous employers and/or consulting clients have included, the National Math and Science Initiative, The Philanthropy Roundtable, the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Senate, The Heritage Foundation, and her alma mater, Grove City College. Lynn has a bachelor of science in biology from Grove City College and a master’s degree in student personnel from Slippery Rock University. She is from Youngstown, Ohio.

Amanda Gordon serves as Regional Coordinator for the NRI Regional Fellowship Program in Washington, D.C. In this role she is responsible for recruitment of the Fellows and managing the program locally. Amanda is also an alumna of the program, having been selected for the Washington Regional Fellowship 2014 class. In addition to her duties for NRI, Amanda provides independent consulting services and owns a small business based in Alexandria VA. She previously spent 20 years advising on transnational and other matters, working with the financial services industry and for the US Government. Amanda has a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in History from Trinity College and a Joint Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from Boston College. She lives in Northern Virginia.

Andrew D. Graham serves as the Regional Coordinator for the NRI Regional Fellowship Program in Dallas, Texas. In that role, he is responsible for recruiting the Dallas Fellows and managing the program locally. He is Deputy General Counsel for First Liberty Institute, a nonprofit law firm and think tank dedicated to protecting religious liberty. He is a former law partner at Jackson Walker LLP, where he achieved an extensive record of success in high-stakes litigation in state and federal courts. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas and is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. He is a first-generation American (Australian parents) and the first person in his family to attend college. After graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Southern Methodist University, Andrew earned graduate degrees in history from Oxford University (Oriel College) and the University of Chicago before earning his law degree from The University of Texas School of Law. He is a 2015 Dallas Regional Fellow. He and his wife Molly have three children and attend Park Cities Presbyterian Church (PCA).

Joshua Grundleger serves as Regional Coordinator for the NRI Regional Fellowship Program in New York City. In this role he is responsible for recruitment of the Fellows and managing the program locally. Joshua is a sovereign analyst at Moody’s Investors Service, covering mainly European countries, including Ukraine, Norway, Iceland, and Israel. He has a master’s degree in international relations and economics from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), where he concentrated in American Foreign Policy, Global Theory & History, and International Economics, and specialized in the Middle East. He also has a bachelor’s degree, in government and economics, from Cornell University. He is an avid reader of political economy and fiction and any other book that he finds on the streets of Brooklyn, where he currently lives with his wife, Alexandra, and son, Gabriel.

Jeff Webb serves as Regional Coordinator for the NRI Regional Fellowship Program in Philadelphia, which he volunteered to help launch after participating in the New York City program in 2017. Jeff is a Principal at Bessemer Trust, a private multi-family office and investment firm. He earned an MBA from the University Virginia and a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering from the United States Naval Academy. Upon receiving his Navy commission, Jeff became a Navy SEAL Officer and deployed with his teammates to Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. He is also co-founder and director of the non-profit Run To Honor, which has motivated him to run the Marine Corps Marathon each year since 2007. Jeff resides in Haverford, Pennsylvania with his wife Shannon and three children.

Tim Williamson serves as Regional Coordinator for the NRI Regional Fellowship Program in San Francisco, CA. Tim participated in the inaugural New York City class and has recently moved to the Bay Area, allowing NRI to leverage the experience of an alumnus while launching in a new market. When not supporting NRI in California, Tim works for FreeWheel, a Comcast company, helping to power the advertising businesses of the largest media and entertainment companies in the world. Tim has a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Georgia, and a Master of Education from Georgia State University.

Grace AquilinaIntern

Grace Aquilina is an intern with National Review Institute, where she does research and editorial work for Kathryn Jean Lopez. She is a freelance editor and co-author of the book A History of the Church in 100 Objects (Ave Maria Press, 2017). She holds an associate’s degree from Community College of Allegheny County, and she intends to pursue further studies in literature. Grace has worked in libraries for years and is an avid volunteer with community organizations. With her school’s honors program, she served recently in projects assisting women and children in Northern India.

Mariefred EvansIntern

Mariefred is an intern with National Review Institute through the Charles Koch Institute Internship Program. Mariefred is a rising senior at Loyola University Maryland where she is studying political science and public relations. She has spent the past summers working in her home state of New Jersey for the Department of Environmental Protection, where she was tasked with managing community relations on the NJ Water Supply Plan. She is returning from a semester abroad in Cape Town, South Africa, where they could certainly use water management advice, and enjoyed her time volunteering in the community dealing with the water crisis, in addition to being a student at the University of Cape Town. Mariefred is excited to return to Loyola where she wears many hats as cheerleading captain, service coordinator, Undergraduate Admission student-worker, first-year mentor, Student Government representative, and student leader.

Catherine FrancoisIntern

Catherine Francois is an intern with National Review Institute. Catherine graduated Magna Cum Laude from Benedictine College in May of 2018 with a B.A. in Political Science and Economics and a minor in Philosophy. Her Senior Capstone Project was on “The Effects of Plastic Bag Legislation on Consumer Behavior.” During college she was a project manager for the Enactus Second Chance Prison Project, an initiative to teach business classes to prison inmates. Catherine currently holds a Ropke – Wojtyla Fellowship from Catholic University of America’s Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship. She has previously interned with the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation through the Charles Koch Internship Program in Washington, D.C., and for Senator John Moorlach’s office in the California State Senate.

National Review Institute is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), journalistic think tank, established to advance the conservative principles William F. Buckley Jr. championed, and complement the mission of National Review magazine by supporting and promoting NR’s best talent. All contributions to it are deductible for income, gift, and estate tax purposes. EIN# 13-3649537